The expense of producing the parades and celebrations forced the group to discontinue their sponsorship in 1929, but the Galveston Booster Club saved the day on short notice and continued to sponsor Mardi Gras events until merging with the Galveston Chamber of Commerce in 1937-at which point Mardi Gras came under the Chamber’s authority. Knights of Momus Mardi Gras Parade began in 1871, and was discontinued during World War II. George Mitchell brought the Galveston party back in 1985. History of how Mardi Gras Galveston began The attractions were small, starting with a masked ball and a performance of Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. But the festivities grew rapidly, and by 1873, visitors from around Texas were coming to Galveston to experience Mardi Gras, including Gov. E.J. Davis. Before long, lavish costumes and both day and night parades filled the streets. Galveston hosted its first Mardi Gras in 1867. In Galveston, there are multiple “Krewes” (or groups/clubs) that host large Mardi Gras parties and parades. The biggest parade, held on the night of Mardi Gras, is put on by the oldest krewe in Galveston (said to have been around since 1871), the Knights of Momus. KOM hosts a royal ball each The Origins of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, traces its origins to medieval Europe. The tradition was brought to North America by French explorers in the 17th century, with the first recorded Mardi Gras in what is now the United States taking place in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703. The History of Mardi Gras in Galveston. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite ABOUT MARDI GRAS. In 1840, the Galveston City Company founder, Michel Menard, hosted the first masquerade ball on the island, most probably, as a housewarming. On March 26, 1856, history was made as the first Mardi Gras ball in Galveston was held at the house. The Galveston News reported the next day that over 300 guests attended. The History of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Mardi Gras was first publicly observed on Galveston Island in 1867. Following a sabbatical imposed in 1941 by war and challenging times, Mardi Gras! Galveston was revived in 1985 by Galveston-born preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell. The first Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston occurred in 1867 at Turner Hall, when a group called “The Jolly Young Bachelors” invited 100 guests for “Dramatic Entertainment and a Bal Masque.”” “The initial Mardi Gras celebration was deemed a success; however, the now annual event experienced periodic hiatuses throughout its history. History of Mardi Gras in Galveston Mardi Gras was first held in 1711 in Mobile, Alabama as a national gala imported from France. Only later, in 1873, did this historical event appear in New Orleans. The classical colors of Mardi Gras have noteworthy meanings. Gold signifies power or purity of purpose. Purple portrays royalty or justice. Mardi Gras revelers in Galveston will notice some changes the City of Galveston has made as part of an effort to enhance public safety during the annual carnival celebration. The island’s 114th Mardi Gras celebration begins Friday, February 21, and continues until March 4, or Fat Tuesday. Fri., Feb. 21st at 7:00 p.m. George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade. Following the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, this is the first parade to Kick Off Mardi Gras Galveston 2025! Mardi Gras! Galveston is the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country and has a long history of festivities. The first celebration in Galveston was held in 1867, complete with a masked ball and Shakespearean reenactments! In 1871, two rival Mardi Gras societies, or “Krewes” were created. Revelers at this year’s Mardi Gras will notice some changes the City of Galveston has made as part of an effort to enhance public safety during the annual carnival celebration. The island’s 114 th Mardi Gras celebration begins Friday, February 21, and continues until March 4, or Fat Tuesday. Both weekends will be packed with parades Mardi Gras in Galveston. Mardi Gras! Galveston is the place to be for a full-on celebration, with festivities running from February 21 through March 4, 2025. Known for its vibrant parades and coastal charm, Galveston offers one of Texas’s most unique Mardi Gras experiences. When: February 16, 2020 all-day Where: Multiple Locations Galveston, TX If you’re looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience in 2020, grab some beads and hit the beach. Galveston Mardi Gras Parades – Dates, Routes & Must-See Events. Celebrate Mardi Gras in Galveston and Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! The good times will roll soon for 2025 Mardi Gras! Galveston. The 114th edition on Galveston Island is the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the Houston area. For those planning to go, here is Mardi Gras! Galveston is delighted to announce the distinguished recipients of the prestigious George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award: Mike Doherty and Kenneth Shelton. These two lifelong residents of Galveston Island will be honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, February 21, 5:30 PM, as part of the kick-off to Mardi Gras festivities.
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